New  Season, New Skincare

The weather has changed and so should your moisturizer. Many women (and men) find that their favorite moisturizer just isn’t enough in the winter months. The skin has a protective barrier which is very sensitive to cold, dry air. These conditions pull the water from your skin and you need to find the right product to maintain the hydration level and protect your skin.

So how do you choose the right moisturizer for you? The question I am asked the most is, what is the difference between a lotion and cream? A lotion is a lighter texture that is quickly absorbed, usually for a normal/combination skin type. Cream is a richer, dense formula for a more dry skin. When choosing a texture pick something that feels comfortable to you and is suitable for your skin type.

Many companies give you the option of using a day and/or night cream. This is really a personal preference and can be interchanged. In many cases a day and night cream will do the same job, but here are the differences. Day creams often contain a sun protection which isn’t harmful to use at night but is unnecessary. A night cream has more moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. This is beneficial for healing and replenishing the skins barrier but may not be comfortable to wear in the day because the skin can appear greasy.

It can be very confusing choosing any skincare product because these days there is a product for every issue or concern but today were just talking about a basic moisturizer and I have some suggestions…

If you are on a budget try N7 Moisture Quench  $18. It’s available in a lotion or cream formula and for day or night. This contains elderflower to sooth irritated skin and vitamin E to protect and is perfect if you suffer from sensitive skin because it’s dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

Vichy Aquilia Thermal will provide you with 24 hour hydration while soothing, and strengthening your skin.  What’s special about this product is Vichy’s Thermal Spa Water, which contains rare minerals that diffuse to the heart of your skin cells. Aquilia Thermal is made in many textures so there is a formula for everyone. $34 at your local drug store.

My personal favorite moisturizer is Aqua Fusion by Lancome. This product immediately absorbs into the skin because it so closely resembles the water naturally in the epidermis. So you don’t feel like you have an extra layer sitting on your skin. Rich in 16 essential elements like calcium, zinc and manganese your skin is hydrated for 24 hours and will feel more soft, supple and look more radiant. This product is dermatologist tested, non-oily and non-comedogenic. $54 at many department stores and drug stores.